Indian Chemical News (www.indianchemicalnews.com), India's No. 1 portal on Chemical, Petrochemical, and Energy, is organizing a two-day conference titled "Gujarat Chem & Petchem Conference 2026 (GCPC 2026)" on May 14-15, 2026 at Hotel Hyatt Place, Bharuch, Gujarat. 

The theme of the Summit is "Optimizing Plant Operations for Efficiency and Sustainability”. 

To participate as a delegate for the two day summit to be held in Hyatt Place, Bharuch, please click on the link

(https://www.indianchemicalnews.com/gcpc-2026/register.php) 

The speakers for Plant Automation and Industry 4.0 Session are: Dr. Jagdish Pranami, Associate Vice President, SRF; Bhanu Gupta, Vice President – Digital & Analytics, DCM Shriram; Ronak Kabra, Vice President - Zone Operations Head, Aarti Industries; Nishu Singh, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company; and Pravin Prashant, Executive Editor, Indian Chemical News. 

The Indian chemical industry, a key driver of the national economy (contributing roughly 7% to GDP and 15% to manufacturing output), is increasingly adopting Plant Automation and Industry 4.0 (Chemical 4.0) to maintain competitiveness against global leaders, particularly China. The sector is pivoting from traditional manufacturing towards smart factories integrating Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Digital Twins (DT) to maximize safety, sustainability, and efficiency.  

Plant automation has evolved from simple analog controllers to integrated digital systems that bridge the gap between Information Technology (IT) and Operations Technology (OT). With the use of data analytics, Chemical and Petrochemical companies are not only optimising their plant operations but also doing a lot of cost saving.  

Key discussion points to be covered during panel discussion are: Predictive Asset Management; Operational Efficiency and Energy Management; Process Optimization & Safety; Safety and Environmental Compliance; Digital Twins and Simulation; Use of AI and ML; Supply Chain and Demand Forecasting; and Implementation Challenges. 

The conference is supported by Principal Partner - Zodiac Tank Container Terminals (A Samsara Group Company); Platinum Partners - Alleima, Jindal Stainless, and Prozeal Green Energy; Gold Partners - BEIL, Contibelt, DCM Shriram Chemicals, Dynamic

India, GEM Machinery, Graphite India, Jaaji Technologies, Degree LAUDA Precision, MAAG Group, Pragna Consultants, ResistoTech, SNF Flopam India, TKIL Industries, Tubacex Group, UPL University of Sustainable Technology; Associate Partners - Diyani Automation, E3 Tech Systems and Services, Changzhou Fanqun Drying Equipment, and Woodfield; Enterprise AI Partner - dDriven; and Industry Association Partners - Alkali Manufacturers Association of India (AMAI), Dahej Industries Association (DIA), Gujarat Chemical Association (GCA); and Jhagadia Industries Association (JIA).